I'm still here (and exciting news to share)

Um, hello [insert shy wave]! Oui, c'est moi. I am still here, feeling rather sheepish for leaving you here with nary a calling card to explain my absence. Please accept my humblest apologies. Life on Planet Baby continues to be particularly trying and I have had to expend my energy wisely. Regrettably, that hasn't included blogging. Mr PB and the pixies have needed me and that's where my priorities always lie.  I know I've been largely absent here this year owing to Mr PB still looking for a full-time job (since Christmas Eve, can you believe it?). The resulting stress and challenges have been debilitating and exhausting. But I really cherish this space and want to commit to it properly. So I have a plan - want me to share?

The thing is that notwithstanding everything going on offline which has prevented me blogging, the truth is that I've been feeling a real disconnect from my blog name. When I started blogging in July 2010, Life on Planet Baby perfectly described where I was at with a preschooler, toddler and infant. Yes, they were my babies, in the truest sense. Fast forward to now with Joshua and India at school full-time and Sammy starting three days a week Kinder next year and my babies are growing up. 

Here they are the other day, very proud of their new booster seats

I've always cherished the concept of 'Planet Baby' but now 'Planet Joy' is much more my spiritual home. 'Baby' pigeonholes me to a phase in my life I'm naturally moving away from as the pixies grow up. It also means incessant approaches from baby-related companies wanting me to endorse their products. They just don't 'get' me.

But you all do, especially those who have been aboard this Planet for a while, watching my creative spark ignite and light the warm fire which now delights me through Planet Joy. You 'get' how my crafting inspires, and sustains, me. You 'get' the hope it brings to my life.

So I guess it won't surprise you that mentally, I've hopped planets. From Planet Baby to Planet Joy.

And I'm fervently hoping you'll take the leap and join me. 

I've bought the domain name for www.planetjoy.com.au (www.planetjoy.com was unavailable) and want to move this blog there. I toyed with the idea of calling it 'Life on Planet Joy' and bought the domain name and everything as I thought it would make the transition easier for you. But then I realised it made more business sense to drop the 'Life on' part. Many people who know me through Planet Joy have no idea I blog here. Keeping it simple is the way to go, I think. 

I'm hoping I can just export this blog to the new one and leave a custom redirection from Planet Baby to Planet Joy so you won't have to do anything. That's the plan. But it may be more complicated. I'll let you know when I find out.

And so, how are feeling about this? Wondering what direction my blog will take?

Well I've been thinking about that. I plan to write as I normally do - no change of 'voice' required. So you'll still know it's me at the tiller of this fine ship.

I'll post more about what I'm making for Planet Joy and what's inspiring me. But I won't just turn it into endless promotions for Planet Joy, though. I want it to feel balanced between both my life with our young family and my art. I also want it to be more Tasmanian focussed so you can see more about this magical place we call home.

I am so excited about these plans. I eagerly await the day when I can feel that this space truly represents where I'm at in life right now. I don't want it to feel like a stuck record any longer. It's time to pick the stylus up and start a new tune.

So (big gulp), what do you think about these changes? Excited, annoyed, indifferent? I really look forward to hearing your thoughts, of whatever kind. Truly. I'm all ears!

Some Saturday soul food: Leo Babauta

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Hmm, cleaning up the dust bunnies since my last post has taken a while longer than expected! I really appreciate your warm support for, and gentle encouragement about, what I do here. You gave me great food for thought - I'll explain in my next post. But tonight I want to share with you an idea of the sage and insightful Leo Babauta of Zen Habits fame. Born in 1973, he's a blogger, journalist and published author. I really like the cut of his jib. 

Happiness is the uncovering of what you already have.

You can read more about his idea in his post here.

His basic premise is:

You have all you need for happiness, right now. 

You don’t need to change anything about yourself or your life. 

You just need to see what’s already there.

He breaks down what we really need to be happy. We can strive for happiness through external things like our families, houses, jobs and possessions.

But having all those boxes ticked as you'd like doesn't necessarily make you happy. Maybe it does for a while but such things are so changeable and by hitching all your hopes on them, your happiness is subject to the whims of others.

But (and this is where he hooks me in) when you look for happiness within ourselves and realise your own strengths and 'amazing things', you don't risk losing that happiness. 

You have control of it.

It's innately in you.

So tell me, do you think Leo is talking sense? Or do you think it's too simplistic a view of life? Do dive in and share.

Oh and I think I'll post soon about what makes me happy. I was thinking about doing a linky party for it. Are you up for it?

Some Saturday soul food: Brene Brown

                                                       Source: cl.ly via Jane on Pinterest

Well hello, sweet Planetarians. I've had a doozy of a week, full of stress, and haven't had the energy to blog. Hence this Some-Saturday-soul-food-on-a-Sunday post. So, just a quickie tonight - time for some beauty sleep ☺. I've chosen a sentence from the brilliant and inspiring US research professor, Brené Brown. I think she's just fabulous - I'll post more about her soon. You can read more about her here if your interest is piqued!

Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life.

Just brilliant. As a recovering perfectionist, I've been searching for this clarity for most of my 42 years. Brené has nailed it.

My battle is over. Well, largely over - I'm still a work-in-progress. Fighting for (non-existent and thus never achievable) perfection doesn't serve me well.

But 'healthy striving' - that's a concept I can live with. It's not just re-badged perfectionism. Rather, I think it's trying to always do my best in the circumstances. As opposed to an absolute which doesn't take into account the prevailing situation.

So, what do you all think about Brené's idea? Do you think she's talking sense? Or waffling? I can't wait to hear, as always!
 

PS Thanks sooo much for your fabulous responses to my last post. I was flabbergasted to read them. I'll post my response shortly - promise!

Some Saturday soul food: Mooji

                                 Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Well hello everyone! I've been a bit MIA this week, haven't I? Opening Planet Joy has been utterly absorbing and such fun, although tiring. It's only Day Two of that little caper and I'm still finding my stride, learning on the job. I've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from you fabulous Planetarians - thankyou, most sincerely. I'm pinching myself.

And you know what? It feels so good.

Apart from earning some income to keep Planet Baby running, it's giving me focus, a purpose and an outlet for my creativity, all at the same time.

So for tonight's soul food, I've chosen another quotation by the Jamaican mystic, Anthony Paul Moo-Young (known as Mooji), born in 1954. 

Find that place 

which is effortlessly 

at rest within itself. 

Be there - be one with that.

I haven't been in 'that place' for quite some time now. And I'm loving the view.

Tell me, have you found that sweet spot in life yet? Or is finding it still a work-in-progress? I can't wait to hear your ideas.

Some Saturday soul food: Groucho Marx

                              Source: betheoneyouwant-tobe.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Thanks so much for your gorgeous outpouring of support after my last post. You're such strong supporters of me. I'm a lucky girl to have you in my corner. For tonight's soul food, I've chosen the fabulous American comedian and film and television star, Groucho Marx (1890-1977).

Each morning when I open my eyes, I say to myself 'I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today.  

I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet.

I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.'

It's a ripper, don't you think? It's taken me most of my 42 years to work it out, I must say!
That Eureka-like moment of realising you actually have a degree of control over such matters is fabulous.
Being mindful and living in the moment are still very much works-in-progress for me ☺. But at least I'm on the case, I guess.
So what do you think? Are you with Groucho or against him? Why? I'm looking forward to hearing your illuminating thoughts, as always.

Some Saturday soul food: Howard Thurman

                                                  Source: flickr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Well hello, you happy campers. I hope you've had/are having a stunning weekend. I'm a day late with this week's soul food - blame it on the AFL Grand Final yesterday! Tonight I've chosen something short and sweet by the noted American philosopher, theologian and civil rights leader, Howard Thurman (1899–1981). 

Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. 

And then go and do that. 

Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

This is *so* on the money, don't you think? By the end of the first sentence, I was thinking "Hmm, that's a bit selfish". By the time I'd finished reading, I'd changed my mind.

I think 'to come alive' is a fabulous concept. As I'm emerging from these long years of PND, I'm gradually feeling like I am. Thankfully.

And you gorgeous Planetarians are helping me no end in my aim. Thankyou! 

So tell me, what makes you come alive? Let's share thoughts and get the warm fuzzies flowing as well as find out more about each other. What do you think? I can't wait to hear what you come up with!

Some Saturday soul food: Maya Angelou

                                     Source: air-we-inspire.livejournal.com via Jane on Pinterest

Ooh good evening, sweet Planetarians! I'm starting to get *a little bit excited* - I'm getting very close to opening my new Etsy shop. Woo hoo! I'll fill you in very soon - promise ☺. With that in mind, for today's soul food I've chosen something from the incomparable Maya Angelou. You loved her back here - this one's fantastic as well.

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told “I’m with you, kid. Let’s go.”

Amen to that.

My time for double-checking, researching, investigating and weighing-up-the-pros -and-cons is over.

It's time for action.

Time to start the journey!

After all, what do I have to lose?! Stay tuned...

Tell me, do you agree with Maya's exhortation to be bold? Have you done just that in life, taking a big leap into the unknown? Or have you been prevaricating like me? Dive in and share - I'm hope I'm not the only one!

Some Saturday soul food: Hermann Hesse

                                Source: rockstarbebezphotography.com via Linda on Pinterest

Hello, me again! I always look forward to Saturdays and finding some sweet soul food to share with you. This week it's a quotation from the eminent German-Swiss  poet, novelist, and painter, Herman Hesse (1877-1962).

Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.

Wow! It's so simple, yet powerful, don't you think? 

I cherish such time alone without distraction when I can really tune out and just be. No demands on my time, nothing. Just me, alone with my thoughts. I find it very calming.

It can be such a challenge to remember to make the time to do it in our age of distraction. Having littlies around compounds matters, of course!

So tell me, do you agree with Herr Hesse? Do you make the time to tune into yourself like that? Or is it something you never get around to doing? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Sunday splendour: 2 September 2012

Good evening, Lovelies. I've had a wobbly old week on Planet Baby. Tetchy, nearing-end-of-school-term syndrome set in for the pixies. My birthday didn't *quite* go according to plan. Mr Somebody broke our camera. Our fridge needed unexpected repairs. It was the joy of tax return time - now we're waiting with bated breath to see what results. And then today was Fathers' Day. We had a lot of fun with Mr PB but alas, no photos due to the lack of said camera. And I missed my Dad dreadfully. *Sigh*. But, in between all that, I still had some splendid moments to show you. Here they are! 

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I *feasted upon* Mr PB's rendition of Bill Granger's fabulous ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter. As our camera was broken, I couldn't take a photo of them but have used the above from this post here which has the recipe. You must give it a try!

I *discovered* what it means to tend a grave. When growing up, visiting family members' graves wasn't something we did. Now I'm doing it, alone, with my Dad. Today I replaced the flowers I'd left last time with this cheery bunch of daffies and erlicheer from our garden. I changed the water in the pot and fluffed up the bunch to look its best. 'Tending' is a good word for this little ritual - it reminds me of tenderness. And that's something this little act of love makes me feel. And connected, as well.

I *enjoyed* helping the pixies prepare for Book Week. Sammy was Christopher Robin from 'Winnie the Pooh'. Here he is, gumboots and all, clutching Pooh, Owl, Piglet and his book. He was so proud to join the big kids!

Miss India was Alice from 'Alice in Wonderland' with her blue smocked dress and amusing, although itchy, wig and Alice band. Her teacher was so convinced by the wig that she looked for India three times before remembering she was the blondie!

Joshie was Harry from 'Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs'. Here's his French tin bucket, full of his favourite dinosaurs. Thankfully, they all returned home intact.

I *created* my first commission of Liberty-wrapped wire names for the daughters of a gorgeous Hobartian and fellow Planetarian. Here's the beginning of one of them. My Etsy shop plans are gathering pace, my friends!  

I *read* yet another beauty from the magnificent Brave Girls Club. This is what I really need to do now - just focus on completing one task at a time. 

I *watched* India and Sammy playing happily in Sam's new teepee made by clever Auntie Beck for her birthday. Listening to them and their extremely active imagination always makes me giggle!

So there you go, some pearls in the midst of my strange old week. Have you eaten Bill's hotcakes before? Did you have some littlies to dress for Book Week? And do you find the make-believe world children inhabit amusing? I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

Some Saturday soul food: William Henry Channing

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Ah you gorgeous Planetarians, all 550 of you! Thanks for your kind birthday wishes - I really appreciated them. I'll post about my day soon - the celebrations will continue awhile longer. Tonight for our weekly soul food, I've chosen something from William Henry Channing, a US clergyman, writer and philosopher (1810–84).

To live content with small means; 

to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; 

to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; 

to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; 

to study hard; 

to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; 

in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common 

- this is my symphony.

Oh my stars! I must print this out and pop it onto my moodboard. It is so eloquent, noble and wise. The first line is especially pertinent on Planet Baby right now. Elegance and refinement are two of my favourite states of being. I'd love to do more star gazing like the couple above. And I also appreciate the bidding to 'await occasions, hurry never' - as a wise person once told me, "Hasten slowly". Something to ponder in this age of hyper-connectivity and split-second timing.

I wouldn't mind this being my symphony.

How about you? Could it be your symphony, too? Do you adhere to any of these suggestions? Or is it a 'bit out there' for you? Dive in and share - that's what you Planetarians are best at. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Some Saturday soul food: William Arthur Ward

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Hello you gorgeous Planetarians. It's been a mixed bag of a day on Planet Baby. We started with the excitement of having a small, not-for-profit group use our front door for a scene in a film shoot. The pixies were enthralled. Then we all scooted off to Joshie's soccer match, played in the mud and biting cold. The score? 7-1 to us. Woo hoo! We scampered to the car just as the rain set in. We've since been cooped up inside, passing our time with playing with Star Wars Lego, attempting tug-of-war with Joshie's dressing gown cord, baking cupcakes, cooking roast chicken and playing Junior Monopoly. Mr PB has headed off to his night job, bless him, handing the reins back to me.

Given the stunning success of the Australian yachting team at the London Olympics in winning our 3rd sailing gold medal yesterday, today I've chosen something with a nautical theme. 

It's by William Arthur Ward (1921-94), an American writer.

The pessimist complains about the wind; 

the optimist expects it to change; 

the realist adjusts the sails.

As a sailor's daughter, it really appeals to me. And with the challenges life has thrown me in recent years, it's one I'm grappling with.

I used to be an optimist, then became a pessimist and am now almost a realist! Still with a dash of optimism thrown in.

Where do you rank yourself? Are you any good at adjusting your sails? Dive in and share with us, as always.

Oh, and on a side note, although such things don't normally bother me, I've noticed that these 'Some Saturday soul food' posts aren't being read as much as my other posts. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. 

Would you prefer quotations from different people (eg more of the classics and less pop culture or vice versa)? Or do you find this column at odds with my blog's general tone? Maybe you love it but just don't comment. I just can't work it out! I'd really appreciate any constructive feedback you may have. Thanks in advance...

Some Saturday soul food: Anonymous

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Hello gorgeous ones. Just a quickie tonight after a fun family day - the cousins had a ball. For today's soul food, I've chosen a poem I haven't been able to attribute to anyone - please tell me if you know the author. But given where my head's at right now, I thought I'd share it. 

I do so not to be maudlin. Far from it. 

I find it immensely moving and uplifting. I hope some of you who've also experienced the death of a loved one can derive some comfort and emotional sustenance from it.

The photo above is how I feel at the moment, gazing wistfully into infinity and remembering.

This Heritage

They are not lost

who leave us this great heritage

of remembered joy.

They still live in our hearts

in the happiness we knew,

in the dreams we shared.

They still breathe in the lingering fragrance,

windblown from their favourite flowers.

They still smile in the moonlight's silver

and laugh in the sunlight's sparkling gold.

They still speak in the echoes of the words

we've heard them say again and again.

They still move in the rhythm of waving grasses, 

in the dance of the tossing branches.

They are not gone,

their memory is warm in our hearts,

comfort in our sorrow.

They are not apart from us

but a part of us.

For love is lasting.

And those we love

shall be with us always.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

PS Don't forget to enter my giveaway - it closes on Monday!

Some Saturday soul food: Daniel Goleman

                                           Source: Uploaded by user via Jane on Pinterest

Oui, c'est moi! Posting twice in one day is unusual for me but this quotation by Daniel Goleman really caught my eye. 

Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. 

When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. 

But when we focus on others, our world expands. 

Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller and we increase our capacity for connection or compassionate action.

It ties in so well with my last two posts here and here, don't you think? I guess this is the nub of what I'm talking about. I find life is so much richer when we give instead of always taking. 
And by giving, I mean giving without expecting anything in return. Sometimes the rewards which result can be just enchanting.
I've found that in life generally but especially so in blogging. Love live compassion!
A penny for your thoughts! Does giving come naturally to you? Or do you really need to make an effort to do it? Do share!

Some Saturday soul food: Nancy Long

                                      Source: 27.media.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Hello everyone It's some-Saturday-soul-food-on-a-Sunday today. The reason? This weekend I've had the delicious distraction of a dear girlfriend of mine being popped on a plane to Hobart for the weekend as a surprise by her thoughtful husband. He's at home minding their two young daughters, bless him. We haven't seen each other for 4 years so there's much gleeful catching up to do. So this will be brief as I want to get back to her!

This week, I've chosen a quotation from Nancy Long (I can't find a reference - let me know if you've heard of her).

Whether we name divine presence synchronicity, serendipity, or graced moment matters little. 

What matters is the reality that our hearts have been understood. 

Nothing is as real as a healthy dose of magic which restores our spirits.

Having my girlfriend staying here has reminded me of the joy of having my heart understood. It is an extraordinary feeling to have someone *get* me on all levels. She is a blessing to me. After a day and half, I already feel like my spirits have been restored. 

Do you have any special people in your lives who make you feel the same? I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

PS 'Sunday splendour' will return next week.

Some Saturday soul food: Richard Bach

                                   Source: boundbyrealityy.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest*

Hmm, life's been a bit serious here this week, hasn't it?! It's funny how ill health can affect one's mood so much. After yesterday's drama, I can report that life on Planet Baby is ever so slowly returning to some semblance of equilibrium. But not before Miss India came down with an ear infection, the poor poppet. Regrettably, we've had to postpone Sammy's 3rd birthday celebrations planned for tomorrow until next weekend. But we'll still celebrate with him as a family tomorrow. My baby is growing up! Anyway, let's return to some normal programming for a change - okay?

For today's soul food, I've turned to the American writer, Richard Bach. Some of you might know him as the author of 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull'.

There are no mistakes. 

The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn. 

Whatever steps we take, they’re necessary to reach the places we’ve chosen to go.

This is a real thought-provoker for me. After spending most of my life over-thinking as only a perfectionist can, I'm finally realising the truth espoused here. It's a much more useful and hopeful way of reflecting on the mistakes we make, don't you think? 

I always used to view mistakes as negative things which were to be regretted and lamented. Agonised over, even. 

Now I can see there's no point in beating myself up over them. Instead, I can view them as opportunities for learning. Something good can come of them, after all.

Remembering to look back on them for those insights is the challenge, I guess. Oh, and not falling into the trap of over-analysing them for recovering perfectionists like me!

So, over to you. Do you think Mr Bach is talking sense? Do you always try to learn from your mistakes? Or do you forget them and just move on? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts, as always.

* I chose this photo as I thought she looked reflective. Get it?!

My Monday mood-lifters

Ah Lovelies, I've had a *testing* day on Planet Baby. Mr PB * escaped* to work to leave me at home with all 3 pixies. Joshie has a terrible cold with a hacking cough so he stayed home from school. He was a model patient, dozing on and off on the couch, snuggled up in his doona and good-naturedly putting up with India and Sam's constant interruptions. Meanwhile, I watched the clock and duly administered him Nurofen at the prescribed intervals as well as plying him with water. I slowly succumbed to a thick head cold. India and Sam also have running taps attached to their noses so I am fast running out of clean handkerchiefs and tissues!

In the midst of it all, I tried to spot some little brighteners around the house to lift my mood. Want a peek?

Here are some jaunty jonquils and snowdrops from our garden. I just don't get it. It's the middle of winter! Why are they blooming now? Anyone know?!

These friends greet me when I walk into *my room of my own*. They never fail to raise a smile with their vibrant colours. The top print I bought on Etsy here. The middle two are favourite Pinterest snaps and the bottom is a fabric postcard of some Amsterdam canal houses I bought from Blue Jacaranda.

Huge-hearted Maureen popped this pretty German magazine in the post for me the other day. She knows how much I love reading German ones.

And she knew I'd love the crafty ideas using butterflies and stamps in this article.

Not to mention these vintage bobbins. *Sigh*. She knows me so well.

And to end, here's a present I've made from my Liberty stash for a sweet Planetarian I hope to introduce to you soon. You'll love her, I'm certain.

I'm off to see my hand surgeon tomorrow to see why I'm still getting hand pain after my operation. No doubt it will be something like 'overdoing it' - a tad tricky when I have the pixies to tend to ☺. I'll let you know the lowdown, promise!

Some Saturday soul food: Golda Meir

                              Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Jane on Pinterest

Hello Lovelies. I'm just playing catchup with 'Some Saturday soul food' on a Sunday! I just had to get my last post on social media out of my head last night so this post was bumped down the batting order! I must say how interesting and varied your comments on it have been so far. Keep it up - it's fascinating to read your different takes on a topic which affects us all. 

For this week's soul food, I've chosen a quotation from Golda Meir, Israel's first female Prime Minister in the early 1970s.

Trust yourself. 

Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. 

Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.

It's the affirmation I'm looking for, right now. After finishing my two e-courses on blogging and self-care, it's time I moved from the theory to the planning of the next chapter in my life, work-wise. 

I need to quieten my Voice of Doubt, ignore my detractors, back myself, close my eyes and leap into the unknown. Let's see where I land!

Tell me if this resonates with you. Is it blindingly obvious to you and something you've always done? Or is it a journey you've had to walk with many detours along the way? Looking forward to your thoughts, as always!    

PS Don't forget you can still join in the Post of the Month Club linky party until 14 July 2012. We've already had 40 fabulous entries - I'd love to read and discover some more brilliant blogs. Give it a go!

Pinning pleasure: hearting

Oh my stars! Thanks so much for your fabulous responses to my last post about why I love blogging. It gives me such a thrill to see your enthusiastic responses about this bloggy caper and the pleasure it brings to your lives as well. I am slowly working my way through replying to your comments - please bear with me as my poor paw is a bit painful (hmm, time to see the hand physio, I think).

Tonight, I thought I'd continue with the series of posts I started here highlighting some of my favourite pins from Pinterest. This time I've chosen my 'Hearting' pinboard. One of the delights I've discovered since starting blogging has been the myriad ways of decorating and delighting with hearts. Let's look at some of my favourite images.

Source: janellemccullochlibraryofdesign.blogspot.com.au 

Isn't this just a divine idea? Gifted Planetarian Janelle found this romantic photo - I think it is the Knot Garden at Villandry Chateau, Loire Valley in France. *Sigh*. We might just have to grow a hedge on Planet Baby so I can have one too!

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I adore the whimsy in this one. The blurriness on the edges really enhances its appeal, I find.                         

Source: coxandcox.co.uk via Jane on Pinterest

This little beauty from Cox & Cox has been on my wishlist for ages now. But the shipping cost is prohibitive. I think Mr PB and I might have to get creative and whip up our own version for Planet Baby. I can just see it twinkling away on our back deck on a balmy summer evening...

Source: acreativemint.typepad.com via Jane on Pinterest

The fabulously talented Leslie Shewring of A Creative Mint has nailed it again with this brilliant display. I adore seeing her genius in action! She's such an inspiration.

Source: dottieangel.blogspot.com via Jane on Pinterest

The fabulous Tif Fussell of Dottie Angel whipped up this sweet heart garland which I find just enchanting. She's been kind enough to share her tutorial for it here if you want to give it a try. It's something children would love doing - maybe a perfect school holiday activity for some of you now! I'm definitely making one for Planet Baby - I'll show you the result once finished.

                                                   Source: etsy.com via Jane on Pinterest

And to finish, here's this beauty from Bombus. But *just quietly*, for that price, I'm going to make my own version for a smidgen of the cost. I'm going to choose places of significance to Mr PB and me, photocopy those maps from our atlas and then whip out my scissors and glue-stick. I have a frame handy. Hmm, I'm looking forward to seeing what results!

So tell me, do any of these pins take your fancy? Are you feeling inspired by Dottie Angel? Or are your eyes glazing over at the thought?! Let us know. And if you'd like to see my other 'Hearting' pins, just click here to be transported.